Tony Condon has been a member of the Mulcair Men’s Shed in Co Limerick since 2016. After he retired, Tony was looking for something to occupy his free time, when he saw an advertisement in his parish newsletter for the shed.

“At the time, they were looking for skilled tradesmen in carpentry, electronics and other things like that to teach courses,” says Tony. “I went along – not as a tradesperson – but to take part in a class. I thought it might be nice to learn something new.” Tony started going to the meetings regularly and also took part in a 10-week ‘Shed for Life’ course .

“About 14 of us met up every Wednesday for 10 weeks and we had somebody come in and do physical exercise for an hour. We learned about first aid, did cooking and discussed mental health. The shed plays a vital role for single or widowed men. It’s a great place,” says Tony. Tony now does physical exercise with the shed every Tuesday evening. He also goes every Thursday to meet up with the other members. The shed provides carpentry training and he also takes part in a choir, who meet every Sunday that was also organised within the shed.

“I would tell anyone who might be lonely or just looking for something to do, no matter what age you are, I would tell them to come and enjoy the craic. We play cards on a Thursday and one of the lads cooks. We always have a bit of fun.”

Tony has been taking computer classes every Friday and he is very thankful for the men’s shed. “I’m going nearly seven days a week at it,” smiles Tony. Recently, the men have been working on gardening with potted plants and learning about sowing and feeding them. “There’s something for everyone, it’s the best thing”, said Tony. For more information on the Mulcair Men’s shed, call 087-937 2766.

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Men's Sheds: keeping the community together